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Matador, Victory In War Of Words & Douchebaggery

Remember back in high school when sensitive indie rockers made snarky comments about meatheads and vice versa? Apparently it doesn’t always end when you graduate. Matador Records, the home of twee bands like Belle & Sebastian and Cat Power, and hardcore/metal standby Victory Records have been going back and forth via the interwebs, and things have just heated up even more.

Pitchfork reports that Matador co-owner Gerard Cosloy has been making fun of Victory owner Tony Brummel on the label’s blog for some time now, calling him out for his sketchy business practices and even making an image of Victory’s bulldog logo getting humped with the words “Fuck Victory.” Earlier this week, Cosley’s home burned to the ground, and he got an e-mail from either Brummel or someone claiming to be Brummel with the image of the Victory bulldog getting humped and the word “KARMA.”

“I’ve got to admit, I had previously underestimated Brummel,” Cosloy wrote. “Not only would I have bet real money he couldn’t spell karma is you spotted him the K-A-R, but he’s even capable of attaching a .gif all by himself. But here’s the serious conclusion you can take away from the ill-advised attempt at a rejoinder; Brummel considers my watching my home and possessions turned to ashes karmic payoff for… criticism of his record label? An innocent pet burning to death is acceptable payback for mocking his dopey-as-fuck records, ads, and business practices?”

On the one hand, it’s pretty terrible for Brummel to kick a man when he’s down. On the other hand, who’s Cosloy to talk shit about dopey bands? I can’t say I’m a fan of some of Victory’s roster, but the same can be said about Matador, and at the end of the day, taste is subjective. I think the only real way for these two to settle it is a fight at the playground, 3 O’ clock, right after school ends.

I do not know and have never spoken to Gerard Cosloy or anyone at Matador. I have never said anything derogatory about the label (that he is part owner of along with the company being 50% owned by Martin Mills at Beggars Banquet), its bands or anyone that works there. However, over the last several years Cosloy has gone out of his way to take shots at me (via his blog), my company and my artists. He even took the time to create his own rendition of our logo (his rendition has two male bulldogs having sex). If standing up for my company and my artists is wrong to some people that is too bad. It is my job and obligation. I do not have the time or desire to hurt Cosloy, his company or artists. I am not happy that he lost his home but his immature, snide and unwarranted actions are bad karma. “If you don’t have anything nice to say (especially about someone that you do not know), don’t say anything at all.” He should focus on his company and artists instead of blogging. The man is at least 8 years older than me. As a man, why not “man up” and pick up the phone if you have a problem with someone? I am an easy guy to find. Regardless of his juvenile ramblings I wish him and his company the best of luck.

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